Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of two storey detached building containing one, one bedroom flat and one two-bedroom flat (Class C3), including alterations to the existing car park at The Western, 205 High Street, Rickmansworth.

Recommendation: that planning permission be granted following the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order.

The application was for demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of two storey detached building containing one, one bedroom flat and one two-bedroom flat (Class C3), including alterations to the existing car park at The Western, 205 High Street, Rickmansworth.

The Planning Officer reported that Batchworth Community Council (BCC) had been re-consulted with regard to the amended plans received.  BCC had confirmed that it agreed with the comments made by the Appeal Inspector regarding the inappropriateness of the location in relation to the previous application, that its previous objections to the application remain, and that it wished to call the application in unless officers were minded to refuse. 

Herts Highways had also provided updated comments in relation to the re-consultation and confirmed that it raised no objection to the development. 

Parish Councillor Diana Barber spoke on the application.

The agent spoke in favour of the application.

Committee Members asked questions about the detail of the application which were responded to by officers.  The Committee’s discussions included the following:

·        Officers had refused a previous application on the site for a flat-roofed building of three storeys with an angled elevation and prominent balconies, as it was not considered to preserve or enhance the Conservation Area.   The new scheme was of reduced height, a more traditional appearance with two storeys and a pitched roof, and sympathetic fenestration and use of materials.  Officers considered it a better scheme, which would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

·        The site was considered to be suitable for development, and the proposal represented an efficient use of land.

·        Committee Members agreed that the new scheme was a significant improvement, and the proposed development would preserve and enhance the character of the Conservation Area.

·        Triple glazing was proposed, to mitigate any impact arising from noise from the pub.   The site location was in an area of existing residential development, and it was not considered that there would be any detrimental impact on future residents arising from noise.

Councillor Morris moved, and Councillor Lloyd seconded, that planning permission be granted subject to conditions following the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order.  On being put to the vote this was carried, the voting being unanimous.

RESOLVED: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions following the completion of a S106 agreement to secure a financial contribution towards affordable housing and amendments to the Traffic Regulation Order.